I managed to land this busted up 1950s Fender Champ lap steel for $75. Nutty, huh? I am dying to get it fixed so I can hear it. The fretboard is painted steel with no actual frets or anything. The pickup area was corn-holed. I don't know how that even happens. The neck has a hefty crack but I am not worried in the least. Am tempted to spray Tele copper.
Finally figured out a fix for the XII bridge. I just couldn't get it to work without the missing bridge piece. It lacks the glory of the 12 saddles, but it's purely cosmetic and could be reversed in minutes. What it really needs is the part that holds the saddles together. Mine looked right and fit, but I could only get 11 saddles in it. You would THINK that would work and just double up on one shitty string, but it was too awkward. And frankly, those rusty old saddles are a bit of a bitch to adjust. Love or hate it, the TOM is practical.
Once I put in the TOM, I tested it, and my neck pup wasn't working. I took it apart and tested it and it was fine. Turns out when I screw down the guard, something is touching because the 3-way switch is too tall. I may just have to bite the $60 bullet and buy the NOS switch from Angela. Not only is it a guaranteed fit, but I could then use that giganto chicken head switch. I was considering painting over the white, but am now thinking I could be happy with tinted white layers. That would also be a quick remedy, since it wouldn't require a six week dry time.
